Foldable Stroller Frame Locking Without Extra Folding Hooks

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing child strollers with folding hooks and locking mechanisms are complex and costly, requiring additional components that complicate the structure and increase production costs while providing limited space-saving benefits.

Innovation Solution

A child stroller design featuring a frame with foldable brackets and an engaging member that includes detachable engaging portions, allowing the frame to be locked in a folded state without additional folding hooks, and enabling integration with a child carrier when unfolded.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If additional folding hooks and locking mechanisms are added to stabilize the folded state, then the stability in folded state is improved, but the device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability in folded stateVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the folding hook and locking portion into a single integrated locking mechanism. The locking portion is directly mounted on the foldable bracket and includes both the hook element and the locking recess, eliminating the need for separate folding hook components. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining the stability function through the spring-loaded engagement system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as both a folding hook for connecting brackets and a locking portion for securing the folded state. The spring-loaded design with pusher provides both automatic engagement and manual disengagement capabilities, making the single mechanism universally functional for both connection and locking purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If additional folding hooks and locking mechanisms are added to stabilize the folded state, then the stability in folded state is improved, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability in folded stateVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the folding hook and locking portion into a single integrated locking mechanism. The locking portion is directly mounted on the foldable bracket and includes both the hook element and the locking recess, eliminating the need for separate folding hook components. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining the stability function through the spring-loaded engagement system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded locking mechanism automatically engages the locking portion with the folding hook when the bracket is folded, without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. The spring provides automatic resetting and engagement force, making the system self-servicing and reducing manufacturing costs associated with additional motors, sensors, or control electronics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the folding hook is pivotally mounted with pusher and spring for easy engagement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement convenienceVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded locking mechanism automatically engages the locking portion with the folding hook when the bracket is folded, without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. The spring provides automatic resetting and engagement force, making the system self-servicing and reducing manufacturing costs associated with additional motors, sensors, or control electronics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a motor or actuator to actively open the folding hook, the design inverts the approach by using a spring to actively close and lock the hook, requiring only manual pressure to override the spring force for opening. This inversion simplifies the actuation mechanism while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12559155B2Child stroller

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 WONDERLAND SWITZERLAND AG

AI summary

A child stroller is provided in the present disclosure. A frame of the child stroller includes a first bracket and a second bracket that are foldable. The first bracket is provided with an engaging member, the engaging member includes a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion, and the first engaging portion is configured to be detachably engaged with a child carrier. The second bracket is provided with a locking portion, and when the first bracket and the second bracket are in a folded state, the locking portion and the second engaging portion are detachably engaged with each other to lock the first bracket and the second bracket in the folded state.